Stelvio E-Bike Tour – Through the villages, ancient churches, and ironworks of Valdidentro

This route takes cyclists on a journey to discover the most authentic side of Valdidentro, where history, art, and nature intertwine along the Adda River.

Starting from Bormio, you gradually leave the historic center behind to reach the small hamlet of Sassello, one of the quietest corners of the town in the Combo district. Along the Alute Road—used by farm vehicles and closed to traffic—you’ll reach Santa Lucia, and from there, take the Purple Trail toward Valdidentro.

Along the way, you’ll come across the Church of San Gallo, nestled in the greenery and first documented as early as the 13th century. The medieval frescoes and remnants of the ancient cemetery tell the long history of this place, while the surrounding meadows are home to the Soldiers’ Cemetery, where soldiers from World War I once rested, and the Prato della Giustizia, the site of executions during the witch hunts.

Following the bike path, not far away, we come upon the evocative Ferriere Corneliane, one of the valley’s most important industrial archaeological sites. Powered by water, these ironworks served for centuries as a key center for iron processing, harnessing the region’s mineral and forest resources. Even today, the ruins tell a little-known story that is essential to understanding the economic development of the Upper Valtellina.

You enter the heart of Valdidentro, passing through meadows, over small bridges, and through ancient rural villages until you reach Premadio, dominated by the monumental Church of Saints Martin and Urban. Its elevated position and narrow loopholes suggest that it was originally a true fortress-church, intended not only for prayer but also for the defense of the population. Inside, the frescoes in the presbytery and the rare wooden coffered ceiling—among the best-preserved in Upper Valtellina—are particularly noteworthy.

From Turripiano, the route then continues to the picturesque village of Pedenosso and finally descends to Isolaccia, passing through small hamlets where the traditional stone-and-wood architecture still retains the charm of ancient Alpine communities. The quiet roads and the constant alternation of meadows, woods, and panoramic views make for a pleasant ride in every season.

Thanks to e-bikes, the route is also suitable for occasional cyclists who want to enjoy a day of discovery without facing any particular challenges.